DNA variant linked to weight-loss drug success, study finds

A study using 23andMe Research Institute data of 27,885 people found a GLP1R gene variant was associated with modestly greater weight loss with GLP-1 and GIP-targeting drugs and with higher rates of nausea and vomiting; other health conditions were linked to lower effectiveness.

Researchers report a small genetic change is associated with different outcomes for widely used weight-loss drugs. The study analyzed self-reported data from 27,885 people through the 23andMe Research Institute. A variant in the GLP1R gene was tied to slightly greater weight loss per copy and to more common gastrointestinal side effects. Variations in the GIPR gene were also linked to side effects with drugs that target the GIP pathway. Key findings: - The analysis used reports from 27,885 people who said they had used weight-loss medications. - A GLP1R gene variant was associated with about 1.7 pounds of additional weight loss per copy, as reported in the study. - Variations in GLP1R and GIPR were associated with higher rates of nausea and vomiting. - The GIPR variation was reported as more connected to side effects from drugs that target the GIP hormone, as noted in the study. - Other health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some liver diseases, were linked to reduced weight-loss effectiveness. - 23andMe said it is introducing a tool that uses genetic insights to predict likely weight-loss and side-effect risk; a separate commercial test from a researcher cited in the article is available in clinics for a reported $300. Summary: The study adds to evidence that genetics influence how people respond to GLP-1 and related weight-loss medications and that side-effect risk can also be linked to specific gene variations. Researchers and clinicians have noted this as a step toward more individualized understanding of treatment response, and investigators say further work is needed to understand why some people do not respond to these drugs.